This Geography Alumni Said Yes to Almost Everything at Trent, Mapping a Course to AVP in Higher Ed

When Chris Glover ’01 (Otonabee College) arrived at Trent to complete his Bachelor of Arts in Geography, he was not mapping out a future in university administration. Like most students, he was focused on finding his place and saying “yes” to the opportunities before him.  

“I loved the energy of proud Trent student leaders who demonstrated immense passion for their college and the university,” Glover explains. “I would not be in the position I am in today without my experience at Trent, the friendships developed there, and the mentorship I received". 

In his first year, he served as a first-year representative on the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) Board of Directors, worked at the Cat’s Ass Pub (popular OC on-campus pub), volunteered with Walk Home, played recreational hockey, and even acted in a play! Through student government and campus employment, he gained firsthand experience with decision-making, accountability, and student advocacy. 

Over the next several years, Glover took on increasing responsibility, joining Otonabee College Cabinet as Commissioner to the TCSA and later stepping into senior student leadership roles, including acting vice-president of membership services and, in his final year, president of the TCSA. 

“Serving on OC Cabinet was my first real exposure to governance and policy work,” he says. “Together with my other leadership roles, it opened my eyes to career pathways in higher education beyond graduation.” 

Glover’s career in higher education began at Trent, where he worked in Athletics and Recreation before moving into Student Affairs, supporting orientation, leadership development, and student transition initiatives. After leaving Trent, he worked in residence at Bishop's University in Sherbrooke, Quebec, followed by a position at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia in a role focused on student leadership and career services. For the last ten years he has been working at Lakehead University, most recently as the Associate Vice President, Administration, Orillia Campus. 

“I oversee athletics and recreation in my current role, and that often takes me back to playing campus rec hockey as a student and to my time working in Athletics and Recreation at Trent,” Glover reflects. “The lessons I learned then continue to guide and inform my work today. I am eternally grateful for the life-long friendships I have made during my time at Trent, especially during the early days of living in OC. I recommend to current and future Trent students to try a bit of everything, stay open-minded, and do not take yourself too seriously.” 

Know a Trent alumni with an inspiring story to share? Let us know by emailing alumni@trentu.ca.